The 71st National Convention of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), held for the first time in Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand, concluded on Sunday. On the last day of the three-day convention, Gorakhpur resident Shrikrishna Pandey Azad, founder of the Smile Roti Bank Foundation, was honored with the Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar Youth Award.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the ceremony held at Bhagwan Birsa Munda Nagar, located at the Parade Ground, as the chief guest. According to the ABVP’s organizational structure, over 1,500 delegates from 46 states across the country and friendly nation Nepal participated in the convention. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Shrikrishna Pandey Azad’s life work is a shining example of dedication, sensitivity, and duty to society.”
Convening the ABVP National Convention on the soil of Uttarakhand, marking the 25th anniversary of the state’s establishment, is a matter of immense pride for all Uttarakhandi citizens. The youth, while receiving education here, are working as members of the Parishad with a commitment to serve the nation; this is a symbol of their character, discipline, and patriotism. The work the organization is doing for society, students, and the nation is inspiring for the entire youth community. He said, “This national convention is not an ordinary event; it is a sacred yagya for nation-building.”
Azad’s Outstanding Work for Society
Shri Krishna Pandey Azad has served over two thousand destitute mentally ill people in Gorakhpur and surrounding areas, providing them with medical, pharmaceutical, and rehabilitation assistance. He has also done notable work in areas such as rehabilitation of prison inmates, eradication of child beggary, de-addiction, sanitation, and environmental protection. He has also made significant contributions to social service through the operation of two rehabilitation centers.
The purpose of the award is to highlight the work of youth.
The objective of the Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar Youth Award is to highlight and encourage the work of social enterprises undertaken by youth, to develop a sense of gratitude towards social entrepreneurship, and to inspire young Indians to serve. This award has been given since 1991 in memory of Professor Yashwantrao Kelkar, known as the architect of the Parishad.
The organization’s workers are at the forefront during times of crisis.
CM Dhami said, “Whenever any crisis has struck the country, whether it’s the attack on democracy during the Emergency, the struggle for education reform, the crisis at the borders, or the arrangements for student movements, the Parishad’s workers have been at the forefront. Thousands of workers endured torture to protect democracy, but never let the democratic flame be extinguished. The power and enthusiasm with which slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ resonate today is the result of the Parishad’s decades of continuous hard work.” He said, “If India’s greatest strength—its youth—is harnessed in the right direction, India will not only become an economic superpower but will also be re-established as a world leader. I am confident that the energy, ideas, and resolve generated at this convention will create new chapters in nation-building.”
Pandey invigorated youth across the country
Shri Krishna Pandey Azad, in his unique style, invigorated youth across the country to put nation first. He said, “I dedicate the one lakh rupee award from the organization to the service of Indian mentally ill people.” He added, “Obstacles are inevitable in the path of service, but one should not be afraid of them. The construction of Lord Ram’s temple took 500 years of struggle, but when the temple was built, the whole world started looking towards India. If our Lord can come out of so much struggle for us, why can’t we? Therefore, we should never step back from the path of service.”
